Roland Garros: A Practical Guide to the French Open
Published May 25, 2025
If you're heading to Roland Garros for the first time, there's a lot we wish someone had told us before our own debut. It’s not just another tennis tournament. It’s a slice of French culture, with its own pace, etiquette, and quirks. Think champagne in the stands, perfectly dressed fans, and kids picnicking courtside. We’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) what works and what doesn’t, and we’re sharing the practical tips you’ll actually use to make the most of your day.
Whether you’re there for the tennis, the people-watching, or just to say you’ve been, this guide is everything we’d tell our own friends before they go.
First-Timer’s Essentials (Quick Overview)
Best ticket strategy: Grounds pass (especially week 1)
Best arrival time: By 10 AM if queueing, 11:30 for smoother entry
Smartest route: Metro Line 9 to Pont de Sèvres + shuttle
What to wear: Smart casual + layers
What to pack: Sunscreen, hat, rain jacket, portable charger, cash
Understanding Roland Garros Ticketing
The Ticket Reality
Unlike other Grand Slams, Roland Garros operates on a system that can seem confusing at first but actually offers great flexibility once you understand it.
Grounds passes get you access to all the outside courts and the ability to queue for same-day tickets to the main courts. It's budget-friendly and ideal for first-timers.
Reserved seats for main courts (Court Philippe-Chatrier and Court Suzanne-Lenglen) are expensive and sell out fast.
The sweet spot: Grounds pass early in the tournament, splurge on a reserved seat in the later rounds.
When to Buy
Tickets go on sale in March.
The French Tennis Federation releases additional batches in the spring.
Jean-Paul: "Keep checking the official website—tickets can reappear unexpectedly."
Getting There (And Back Again)
Metro: Your Best Friend
Line 9 to Pont de Sèvres, then free shuttle bus to Roland Garros (verify inclusion with 2025 tickets)
Alternative Routes
RER C or Metro Line 10 to Boulogne–Pont de Saint-Cloud, then walk 15 minutes
Driving: Not recommended—expect traffic and premium parking rates
Visual Tip
Include a Metro map with highlighted routes and walking paths to help readers visualize.
Timing Your Arrival
Gates open at 10:30 AM
Arrive by 10:00 AM to queue for main court tickets with grounds pass
11:30 AM for a smoother, crowd-free entrance
Navigating the Grounds
Court Hierarchy
Philippe-Chatrier: Main stadium
Suzanne-Lenglen: Second stadium
Simonne-Mathieu: Sunken court, beautifully designed
Courts 1–14: Outside courts with up-close access
Layout Advice
Expect hills and multi-level paths—bring good walking shoes
Accessibility Note
Roland Garros is partially accessible. Elevators and ramps exist, but crowds and terrain can be challenging for wheelchairs or strollers.
French Tennis Etiquette
Applaud good tennis from both players
Stay quiet during points, talk only on changeovers
No flash photography
Move between games, not during
Food and Drink
Dining on the Grounds
Expect high-quality offerings, from sandwiches to full-service restaurants
Try croque-monsieur, wine, or champagne, it’s part of the experience
Bringing Your Own
Soft food and drinks allowed (no glass)
French families often picnic on the grounds
Jessica: “The food lines get long. Picnicking is both faster and more fun.”
What to Wear and Pack
Clothing: Smart casual. Avoid gymwear unless it’s stylish athleisure.
Weather: Bring layers and a light rain jacket, May/June weather is unpredictable
Must-pack items:
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen
Hat
Power bank
Cash (not all vendors take cards)
Making the Most of Your Day
Plan Ahead
Check the match schedule night before
Prioritize outside courts, great matches often happen early
Visit the Tenniseum
Great little museum if you need a break from the sun or rain
Night Sessions
Magical atmosphere, but require separate tickets and sell fast
Bringing Kids?
Grounds are stroller-accessible but uneven
No specific kids’ zones, but families are welcome
Outside courts are great for short-attention spans
Practical Final Tips
Book accommodations months in advance
Don’t try to “do it all”, let the day unfold
Learn basic French tennis terms:
“Balle de match” = match point
“Jeu décisif” = tiebreak
“Avantage” = advantage
Going Beyond the Grounds
Nearby Eats:
Le Tilleul – Charming terrace restaurant with classic French dishes
O'Menu Bio – Organic, fresh, and family-friendly with light meals and smoothies
Treize 13 au Clubhouse – Brunch-style café with southern U.S.–meets–Parisian comfort food vibes
Roland Garros offers world-class tennis in a uniquely French setting. With a little preparation, your first visit can be the start of a wonderful tradition.